(Bordeaux / France) – French power producer Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) is starting construction of a high-performance fuel cell factory. The laying of the foundation stone took place in the presence of Damien Havard, CEO and founder of HDF Energy, and Hanane El Hamraoui, Vice President for Industry, along with representatives of the local authorities.
Completion at the end of 2023
HDF Energy is building its 7.000 square meter building on a four-hectare site of a former Ford factory in Blanquefort near Bordeaux. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2023, after which the company's headquarters will also be relocated from Lormont, a good twelve kilometers away, to Blanquefort.
The laying of the foundation stone with Damien Havard, CEO and founder of HDF Energy (left), Hanane El Hamraoui, HDF Vice President for Industry, (right) and representatives of local authorities. © HDF Energy
When production starts in 2024, HDF initially plans to produce fuel cells with an output of 1,5 megawatts, before gradually increasing capacity to ten megawatts and expanding to 100 megawatts next year. According to the company, this would create more than 100 jobs locally.
80 percent of production is destined for export. HDF also plans to divide 70 percent of its supply chain across regional, national and European levels. The high-performance fuel cells serve the mobility markets in the shipping and railway sectors as well as power generation for energy networks. The company has already signed “a number of strategic partnerships” in this regard.
Development of regional infrastructure
HDF Energy also signed a letter of intent with energy service provider Teréga Solutions, a subsidiary of gas transmission system operator Teréga SAS, and Hype to collaborate on the development of hydrogen mobility in the Bordeaux region. As part of the agreement, they want to examine the establishment of a joint venture with the aim of building an infrastructure for green hydrogen.
The French government selected HDF Energy's project as an “Important Projects of Common European Interest” (IPCEI) in October 2022 and registered it with the European Commission. The company expects approval this summer. A further expansion into a “Gigafactory” could create more than 500 jobs regionally.
Photos
Rendering of the future fuel cell factory and new headquarters of HDF Energy in Blanquefort near Bordeaux. © HDF Energy
